NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — Fast radio bursts (FRBs), mysterious bursts of radio energy that have puzzled astronomers for years, may finally have a clue to their origins. New research from the University of Tokyo suggests that these intense bursts of energy are caused by “starquakes” on the surface of neutron stars.
This discovery not only sheds light on the mysterious nature of FRBs, but also provides insight into earthquakes and nuclear physics.
Relationship between FRBs and earthquakes
The study, conducted at the University of Tokyo, analyzed the timing and energy of FRBs and compared them to solar flares and earthquakes. The study found clear differences between FRBs and solar flares, but striking similarities between FRBs and earthquakes.
This led scientists to conclude that FRBs are most likely caused by “starquakes” occurring on the surface of neutron stars.
Neutron stars form when massive stars collapse, leaving behind a superdense core. Such stars have an average mass eight times the mass of our Sun, but are compressed into a core with a diameter of only 20-40 km.
The intense bursts of energy emitted by FRBs are thought to be the result of such “starquakes” on the surface of neutron stars.
Implications for earthquakes and nuclear physics
The connection between FRBs and earthquakes opens up new possibilities for understanding seismic activity on Earth. By studying the similarities in the energy distribution of FRBs and earthquakes, scientists can gain valuable insight into what seismic activity is like on Earth.
Dr Hiroaki Koyama, a physicist at the University of Tokyo, explains: “This study not only deepens our understanding of the mysterious phenomenon of fast radio bursts, but also provides new insights into earthquakes and nuclear physics. The similarities between FRBs and earthquakes suggest that they may fundamental principles lie.”
The role of advanced telescopes
The University of Tokyo’s research was made possible by data obtained from advanced telescopes such as the Five Hundred-Meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) in China and the Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico.
These telescopes, with their powerful capabilities, have allowed scientists to observe and analyze the timing and energy of FRBs.
Unfortunately, the Arecibo telescope, one of the world‘s largest single-bulb telescopes, was damaged and taken out of service in 2020. However, data collected before its decommissioning played an important role in advancing our understanding of FRBs.
Looking to the future
While the exact causes and origins of FRBs are still not fully understood, new research brings us one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of these powerful bursts of energy. By linking FRBs to “starquakes” in neutron stars, scientists have opened up new possibilities for research in earthquakes and nuclear physics.
Dr. Koyama concluded, “The universe continues to amaze us with its wonders. By delving into the mysteries of fast radio bursts, we not only expand our knowledge of the cosmos, but also gain valuable insights into our own planet and the fundamental forces that shape it.”
—
Online:
News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.
To eliminate any confusion arising from different time zones and daylight saving changes, all times displayed on our platforms are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).